New here and Pre-op, too

Hi. I'm Carla and I have been lurking on OH for about 2-3 weeks - kinda lost track. Some posts are very helpful, but some people are somewhat..........not always kind, I guess is the best way to put it. I have only posted once or twice, almost a little afraid to jump in on some of the boards. I'm glad I found this forum. I have 2 small boys and a scared husband. He's trying his best to be supportive, but he's very fearful over this whole thing. I am hoping to have surgery sometimes between the end of March and the end of April. It has been a very emotion journey. But, with the Lords' help, (and a member named Betsy who the Lord used to speak to me one night), I am feeling at peace with my decision and even excited!! I am looking forward to how much better I will be able to serve God, my family, my church, and others once some weight is gone and I have more energy!! He has a plan for me and I can't wait to see what it is!!!!! Hope to get to know all of you!! Carla

Welcome, this is going to be an awesome journey for you. Sometimes you'll feel like you are on a roller coaster but it will be a wonderful adventure. I had lapband surgery in Oct. so haven't lost alot yet, but about 45 pounds total with pre-op and even with that I feel so much better and can do more than before. I even had to buy some new pants recently before I walked out of them, what a nice feeling. I think you'll find this board very supportive and helpful-moreso than some of the others. Hope we see lots of you here!

Hi Carla, Welcome to the Christianity Forum. We have sweet fellowship and tons of prayer support here. I do not post on the main board, just the Pennsylvania board, this board and the Addictions board. I understand about your husband's fear. My one son was very afraid for me. I spent the summer prior to my surgery meditating on Psalm 139, which comforted me and allowed me to share with my son, who struggles with God stuff, about the Lord knowing the number of my days, and how I trusted His plans for me. Jeremiah 29:11 talks more about that. I look forward to getting to know you. Hugs, Trish

Thanks, ladies. And it has been quite the journey already. I've learned a lot about myself. Believe it or not, I'm glad for the 6 month doctor supervised diet required by my insurance. I feel it gave me time for contemplation and prayer. I feel secure in my decision now. And what you said about Jeremiah 29:11............I keep referring back to it. I even woke my husband up about 12:30 at night to read it to him......with tears in my eyes. That's the verse I came across that Betsy had quoted to someone. I know it was posted in response to someone else, but I had been praying very hard for God to reveal his Will to me about this whole thing. It may have been a simple verse, but, GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!! It spoke volumes to my heart!! I was on my knees and bawlin' like a baby!! I have been very comfortable, relaxed, and at peace with this decision ever since. And I also agree.......God knows the numbers of my days. If he's going to take me, it doesn't matter wheather I'm on that surgical table or sitting on my sofa. His Will will happen. I look forward to getting to know all of you better. Carla P.S. If you check my profile, I have some pics of my family.

Hi Carla! Great to see you posting here! I just found this forum myself,, I cant begin to tell you all the Lord has done for me since my surgery 2.5 years ago! I endured the worry and fear as you have done, and even people asking me,,is it right to rearrange what the Lord created?? I asked them,,did you ask that when you had your appendix out, or your tonsils,,or your gallbladder!! I fleeced the Lord three times,,and he answered me affirmatively every time. When I had my surgery, I couldnt kneel to pray, walk far, put my own shoes and socks on, had heart problems and edema in my feet and legs terribly. In short, I was dying. Now, 140 pounds later, I am head of the Adult Singles Ministry, a Sunday School teacher, sing in the choir again, visit the sick and shut in and help clean their home. walk my dog, love dressing myself in all my new cute outfits and strappy heels, and I give HIM all the glory and praise for what is now, an abundant life! Im almost 61 years old, and living life to its fullest more now than I ever have. Im completely healthy. the Bible says,,"Being confident of this very thing,,that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.."Phil 1:6 I believe that covers every aspect of our lives! Hes got great things in store for you,,so keep on trusting Him!(thumbsup) Be Blessed! Betsy

Again, Betsy..... thank you. You seem to have a way with words that comfort and heal. I pray one day I can be an encouragement to others the way you are. I, too, love being active for Christ. I teach Wednesday nights at our Pioneer Club, work once a month in the toddler nursery and once a month in the Junior church, we're greeters every few months, help with funeral dinners, attend many church activities, etc. The only bad thing about it is I sometimes only get into Sunday Worship Service once a month and never on Wed. night. I love serving, but sometimes feel I need to be a little more like Mary and take more time to sit at his feet and soak in all his Glory............. There's a good lesson there with Mary and Martha. I try to make it to Sunday night service so that I can get "fed". I can't wait to see what he's going to let me do for Him and His Kingdom when I am about 120 pounds lighter!! Glory Days are-a-comin'!! Carla

Carla, it is so nice to meet you!! I know what you mean about other boards I do post to one regularly, but you learn rather quickly who to steer clear of on the other boards. Thankfully this board is very, very safe. I have never been attacked here, and better yet, always know I will find support. I love it here. I just wish I had more time to post. I try every few days at least. May I ask what surgery you are having?? Please feel free to look at my profile-you will learn more about me than you ever wanted to know and see some ugly post-op photos (only don't show them to your husband-they look much worse than it felt). Also feel free to PM me anytime. As for me, I had the first half of the DS May 18th 2007 and will have the 2nd half this summer(it was supposed to be one surgery, but it didn't work out that way). I started at 422lbs and now am at 289. Praise God!! I have gone from life in a wheelchair to ministering to 3-5 year olds every Sunday while the adult service is going on. Honesly, God lead me to have surgery for exactly the reasons you state, so I could serve Him better and help more people see the love of Jesus. You are right to be excited. Your life will never be the same!!! Hugs-Amy